| There are consumers of religion as much as of any other service, and in modern society, there is no coercion to belong to a particular denomination, or any at all, for that matter. Thus, those religious observances will tend to survive which are found satisfactory by a substantial number of consumers. Of course, people being non- uniform, there will be a variety of options left, in different packages. But the main thing is, unless they answer some need felt by the a hefty cross- section of the community, they will not flourish. In that sense, it is no more a matter of control by the producer than in any other circumstance of exchange. Lay aside the truth question: face it, people are getting something they want out of the various denominations to which they subscribe. Since most churches depend upon free will collections, rather than tithing, they even have considerable latitude in what they pay to participate. Additionally, if one looks at the charitable work done by many denominations, it is a pretty good deal for society....... |
